Michael O'Donnell

Michael has been a Partner of the firm since 1997, specialising in corporate and personal insolvency law. His main work is directed toward recovery of money and assets out of commercial trade or finance transactions both in Australia and internationally. With more than 20 years experience in the law and with an accounting degree, he has a highly developed understanding of the legal and commercial issues that commercial parties must overcome to successfully recover money owed to them.

 
Michael regularly defends and prosecutes the claims of liquidators and trustees in bankruptcy, and has conducted numerous court actions as counsel at all levels, including the High Court. More recently, Michael's work has involved him working closely with lawyers and insolvency professionals in the US, Europe and Asia. This has extended to the restructure, asset and liability issues flowing from global and multinational insolvencies. It has also involved international court cases in which overseas companies and lawyers have needed legal support in Australia.

Michael has built a solid reputation for favourably resolving difficult situations for his clients. He is a tenacious litigator when required, but prefers to assist companies and financiers generate favourable business outcomes whilst keeping technical legal issues and protracted court disputes to a minimum.

Michael originally commenced tertiary education in chemical engineering and has a continued interest in the science, technology and defence industries.

He completed the Insolvency Practitioners Association of Australia's (IPAA) Advanced Insolvency Course in 1992 and was one of the first lawyers in Australia to be admitted to full membership of the Association.

Michael is a current member and previous committee member of the Insolvency Practitioners Association of Australia and coordinator of IPAA Advanced Insolvency Course (postgraduate) in South Australia. He is a former Director of Australian Space Research Institute Limited and former Chairman of Defence Teaming Centre Incorporated.